In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the one God, Amen.

We begin to write the story of Haiqar the wise, the minister of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria and Nineveh, and the events that unfolded between him and his mischievous nephew, Nathan.

This mentioned minister had married sixty women, and he built a palace for each of them, but he did not have any children. And he was always sorrowful and deeply troubled because of this. One day, he gathered all the astrologers, sorcerers, and seers and voiced his complaints to them about his condition and the matter of his childlessness. They said to him, 'Enter and sacrifice to the gods and seek their aid, perhaps they will grant you a child.' He did as they advised him, proceeded, and presented the sacrifices to the idols, but they did not respond to him with a single word. He came out saddened, sorrowful, and with a heavy heart.

And he returned to God Almighty with supplication and tears, seeking His help fervently, saying, 'O God of the heavens and the earth, O Creator of all beings, I beseech You to forgive me and grant me a child, whom I can take solace in, who will be my heir, witness my death, and bury me.' At that moment, a voice came to him from heaven, saying, 'Because you first sought refuge with the carved idols and offered sacrifices to them, therefore you remained without a child or offspring. But take the son of your sister, Nathan.' And Nathan was a suckling child, and he was handed over to the wet nurses eagerly, with the belief that he would become his heir and bring comfort to his old age. They took him and raised him with utmost care, providing him with gentle royal upbringing. And when he grew up, they brought him to his uncle who rejoiced in him. He taught him writing, reading, literature, and philosophy, and continued to teach him until he became proficient in all branches of knowledge, equal to his uncle, and he remained with him as if he were his own son.

One day, Haiqar stood before King Sennacherib, speaking eloquently. The king looked upon Haiqar, who had become elderly, and felt sorry for him. He said, 'O unique minister, beloved companion, skilled philosopher, wise strategist, and knowledgeable sage, I see that old age has affected you. Tell me, who will succeed you in serving me?' Haiqar replied to him, 'May you live, my lord the king. Behold, I have a nephew named Nathan. I have raised him with the best upbringing and taught him all that I know of wisdom, decency, and literature. I have considered him as my own son, and he will be a servant to you.' He said to him, 'Go and bring him to me, so that I may see him. If I find him suitable, I will appoint him in your place, and you shall be free to leave and rest, bringing comfort to your old age, and live the rest of your life with dignity.' Then Haiqar went and brought Nathan, his nephew, before the king. Nathan prostrated himself before the king and invoked blessings upon him with utmost respect and decency.

Upon seeing him, the king was impressed and delighted. He said, 'O Haiqar, this is your son. Pray to God to protect him for you and appoint him as your successor, bringing comfort to your old age. Just as you raised and served me with utmost devotion and served my father before me, I will also raise him and honor him for your sake. ' Nathan was about fifteen years old. Upon that, Haiqar prostrated and said, 'May you live, my lord. My hope is in your mercy and love, that you may extend your care towards him and show forgiveness for his mistakes, so that he may serve you as he should.' The king swore to him to make him greater and more esteemed than all his courtiers, and to have him in his presence with utmost dignity. Haiqar prostrated and prayed for the king, then took Nathan, his nephew, with him and seated him in seclusion. He began teaching him day and night until he imparted to him wisdom, manners, and knowledge to his satisfaction.

And he would say to him, 'O my son, listen to my words, follow my advice, and always remember my teachings.'

O my son, if you hear a word, let it die in your stomach and do not reveal it to others. For if you do, it will turn into a burning coal, scorching your tongue, causing pain in your body, and bringing punishment from both God and people.

O my son, if you hear news, do not disclose it, and if you see something, do not speak of it.

O my son, make your speech easy for the listener, and do not rush to respond.

O my son, do not desire worldly beauty, for it fades and disappears, but righteous character endures and remains forever.

O my son, do not choose a foolish woman with her words, lest you meet a miserable fate, be entrapped by her, and fall into the snare.

O my son, do not desire a woman adorned with garments and cosmetics, while she is vile and foolish within herself. Beware of obeying her in anything that belongs to you or surrendering what is in your hands to her, for she will ruin it. And by doing so, you commit a sin and incur the wrath of God upon you.

O my son, do not be like the almond tree, for it blossoms before all other trees but bears fruit last. Rather, be like the mulberry tree, for it bears fruit before it blossoms.

O my son, bow your head in humility, soften your voice, and be well-mannered.

Walk on the path of righteousness and choose your words wisely when you speak.

Do not raise your voice, for if building houses were accomplished with loud voices, a donkey would build many houses every day.

O my son, carrying stones with a wise man is better than drinking wine with a wicked person.

O my son, pour your wine on the graves of the righteous rather than drinking it with wicked people.

O my son, associate yourself with people who fear God and emulate them, learning from their ways.

O my son, if you acquire a friend or a companion, test them first before befriending them.

[...] For whoever insults their parents, it has been said that they will die a premature death. But whoever honors their parents, their life will be extended, and God will be pleased with them, and they will witness blessings.

O my son, do not walk on a dangerous path without a weapon, for you do not know where your enemy may encounter you, so be prepared to face him.

O my son, do not be like a tree that is bare of leaves and fruit. Instead, be like a fruitful tree adorned with its foliage, for such is the man in his prosperous home. But as for the man without a wife or children, he is insulted in this world, and his name does not endure like that of a tree devoid of leaves and fruit.

O my son, be like a fruitful tree planted by the roadside, for everyone who passes by will partake of its fruit and seek shelter under its shade.

O my son, do not call your master a fool while considering yourself wise, and do not speak ignorant and foolish words about your master, lest you be regarded as contemptible in his eyes.

O my son, do not be among the lazy slaves who prefer comfort. Instead, be diligent and prompt in doing good deeds.

O my son, do not blaspheme against your Lord who created you, lest He becomes displeased with you. And if you encounter a calamity, be patient and act wisely.

O my son, a sheep that hastens its steps becomes prey for the wolf.

O my son, speak well, adorn your speech, and do not let your companion step on your feet, for later he may trample upon your chest.

O my son, when you strike a wise person with wise words, it leaves him pondering and attentive to what you say. But when you strike a fool with a stick, he neither understands nor listens.

O my son, if you send a wise person to carry out your tasks, do not burden him with excessive instructions. And if you send a foolish and ignorant person, do not instruct him at all. Instead, proceed yourself and fulfill your needs, for even if you were to instruct him, he would not fulfill your tasks as you desire.

O my son, if they send you on an errand, fulfill it promptly without delay, and do not procrastinate in its completion.

O my son, prioritize the need of the poor over the wealthy, and fulfill his request. By doing so, you will earn the gratitude of people, and your reward with God will never be lost.

O my son, beware of antagonizing a man stronger than you, for he will weigh you down and seek revenge upon you.

O my son, test your son and servants before entrusting them with your provisions, for one whose hand is full is called wise, even if he is ignorant and foolish, and one whose hand is empty is called poor, even if he possesses the utmost wisdom.

O my son, I have tasted colocynth and aloe, and I have found nothing more bitter than poverty.

O my son, educate your child well and teach him about the fluctuations of life, so that he may always be mindful of them. And do not teach the ignorant the words of wisdom.

O my son, if you are in need, do not reveal your secret to those who cannot support you. Rather, seek the counsel of a wise man.

O my son, the blindness of the eyes is better than the blindness of the heart, for the blind person can gradually find his way, step by step, on the path. But the one with a blind heart does not find guidance, and he forsakes the straight path, wandering in crookedness. The stumbling of a person with his feet is better than stumbling with his tongue.

O my son, a close companion is better than a distant brother, and a good name is better than good perfume. For perfume runs out and fades away, but a good name endures and remains forever.

O my son, a man who has no peace in his life finds rest in his death.

The sound of weeping is better than squandering abundant wealth.

A living dog is better than a dead beast.

O my son, bury a word in your heart, and it will be good for you. Beware of divulging the secrets of your companions.

O my son, do not let a word escape your mouth until you consult your heart.

Do not involve yourself among disputants, for from a harmful word emerges quarrel, and from it arises war, and from it leads to fighting, which may require your testimony. So, flee from there and find peace.

O my son, do not confront those who are stronger than you, but acquire a long-lasting spirit, endurance, and righteous conduct, for there is nothing better than them.

O my son, do not hate your first friend, for the second one may not last.

Seek out the poor in his distress, speak on his behalf before the ruler, and strive to deliver him from the mouth of the predator.

O my son, do not rejoice in the death of your enemy, for shortly you may be in his position.

O my son, whoever insults and oppresses you, honor him and be the first to greet him with peace. Do not respond to evil with evil.

O my son, if water [stands still] in its course, birds fly to the sky, a black crow turns white, and bitterness becomes sweet like honey, then even the ignorant fool can comprehend and become wise.

O my son, if you desire to be wise, control your tongue from lying, your hand from theft, and your eyes from looking at evil. By doing so, you will become wise.

O my son, let the wise person beat you with his staff, and do not let the ignorant anoint you with fragrant oil.

O my son, be humble in your youth, and you will be honored in your old age.

O my son, do not oppose a man during his days of authority, nor the river during its days of abundance.

Do not involve yourself in a marriage proposal, for if it is good, they will not praise you, and if it is bad, they will curse and revile you.

O my son, be a companion to those whose hand is full and satisfied, and do not be a companion to those whose hand is withheld and hungry.

O my son, there are four things that neither a king nor a military can stand firm with: the injustice of a minister, poor planning, evil intentions, and oppression of the subjects. And there are four things that cannot be concealed or hidden: the wise, the wealthy, the foolish, and the poor.

When Haiqar finished his speech to his nephew Nathan, with all these sayings and proverbs, he thought that he had conveyed everything, believing that Nathan would compensate him for his fatigue with rest. Contrary to that, Nathan responded by cursing and insulting him to the point of murder. After that, Haiqar sat in his house to rest and handed over all his wealth, slaves, maidservants, horses, and livestock to Nathan, the son of his sister. The authority and command remained in Nathan's hands, and he stood before the king as his uncle's counterpart. When Nathan realized that he had complete control over all matters, he began to mock his uncle Haiqar and no longer cared about him. Furthermore, he started saying that his uncle Haiqar had grown old and senile, and he no longer knew anything.

He began mistreating the maidservants and slaves, selling off the horses and livestock until more than half of his uncle's wealth had been squandered. When Haiqar saw these actions and realized that he had no compassion for his possessions, he expelled him from his house and informed the king. Then the king called for Nathan and said to him, 'As long as your uncle is in good health, no one should have control over his house and wealth.' Afterwards, Haiqar remained saddened by his toil with the wretched Nathan. And there was Nathan's younger brother named Bnuzaradan, whom Haiqar took to him, honored and accommodated him in his place instead of Nathan. He entrusted him with all his wealth and made him the steward of his household. When Nathan saw what had happened, envy seized him, and he began to complain about his uncle and mock him. He would say that his uncle had kicked him out of his house and favored his brother over him. He saw no harm if God had destined him to throw him into the ordeal of killing.

And Nathan began to devise a treacherous plan to use it against his uncle. Some time passed, and Nathan conceived wicked schemes. He wrote a letter to Achis, the son of Shah Hakim, the king of Persia, saying: 'Peace and greetings from Sennacherib, the king of Assyria and Nineveh, and from his minister and steward, the wise Haiqar. I extend to you my sincere salutations. I urge you to come swiftly to the land of Assyria and Nineveh so that I may hand over the kingdom to you without war or battle. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, desires this, and out of my love for you, I wish to surrender the kingdom into your hands, and I will be under your command.' And he also wrote a similar letter to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, stating that he should come and attend in order to hand over the kingdom to him, as the king of Persia desires it. He sealed both letters and threw them into the king's palace. Nathan's handwriting resembled that of his uncle, and he sealed them with his uncle's seal.

Afterwards, Nathan wrote a letter from the king, addressing it to Haiqar: 'Complete peace to my minister, scribes, and administrators, Haiqar. Upon receiving this letter, gather all the troops, ensuring they are full in number. Bring them to the plain of Nissrin on Thursday. When you see me approaching, command all the troops to be agitated as if they are fighting against an enemy. This is because I have messengers from Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, who will witness the strength of our troops and fear us, as they are our enemies.' Then he sealed the letter with the king's seal and sent it to Haiqar with one of the king's servants. Later, when he entered the king's court, he found the two letters that he had thrown, now in the hands of some of the king's servants. He took them and entered the presence of the king, reading them and showing Haiqar's seal. Upon hearing this explanation, the king was greatly puzzled and said, 'What wrong have I done to Haiqar that he would write these two letters and have my enemies rise against me? Is this how he rewards my kindness and favors towards him?'

Then Nathan said to him, 'Do not be anxious, my lord, and do not grieve. Let us first proceed to the plain of Nissrin and see if the news is true or not, and then we can devise a plan.' Then Nathan stood up, and the king accompanied him on the appointed day, along with the ministers and the rest of the troops, and they proceeded to the plain of Nissrin. When the king looked, he saw Haiqar approaching, accompanied by all the troops, lined up in formation. Upon seeing the king, Haiqar signaled to the troops to act agitated, ready for battle, and to line up against the king as if they were his enemy, in order to fulfill what was mentioned in the letter, unaware of the trap that Nathan had set for him. When the king saw that, he became extremely enraged and remained perplexed, distracted and annoyed by Haiqar.

Then Nathan said to him, 'You have seen, my lord, what this wicked person has done. But do not despair, rather, proceed to your palace. With the strength of my lord the king, I will bring Haiqar to you, bound and restrained with chains, and I will drive your enemy away from you effortlessly.' The king returned to his throne, feeling distressed and astonished by Haiqar's action. Then Nathan went to his uncle Haiqar and said to him, 'O my uncle, now the king is greatly pleased with you and thanks you for what you have done as he commanded. He has sent me to you, commanding you to release the troops and come to him with your hands bound and your feet tied, so that the messengers of Pharaoh may witness this and recognize your obedience to the king, and the king will remain revered in their eyes.' Then poor Haiqar responded with obedience and submission to the presence of my lord the king. Immediately, he bound his hands and put fetters on his feet, and Nathan took him and led him to the king. When he approached, Haiqar prostrated himself before him and fell on his face.

The king said to him, 'O Haiqar, my scribe and administrator of my kingdom, my secret keeper, tell me, what have I done to you that you treat me with such vile actions?' Then the king showed him the sealed documents with his seal and writing. When Haiqar looked at them, he felt ashamed, his limbs trembled, his tongue became tied, and he struggled to utter a single word of his wisdom and knowledge, but he could not find it. He bowed his head to the ground in silence, bewildered. When the king saw that, he immediately ordered them to bind him and tighten his neck. At that moment, Nathan cried out and said, 'O Haiqar, oh black-faced one! What benefit has your deceitful cunning brought you to commit such vile deeds against your master?' Then the executioner, whose name was Abu Samika, was summoned, and the king said to him, 'Take Haiqar the traitor and go, sever his head at the door of his house, and place his head far away from his body, a hundred arms' length.'

Then Haiqar fell before the king [and said], 'Live forever, my lord. If you desire my death, it is your choice. I know that I am not guilty, but retribution demands its due. However, my lord, I beseech you, out of our friendship, to allow the executioner to give my body to my servants so that they may bury me, and let your servant be a sacrifice for you.' Then the king commanded the executioner accordingly, and at that moment they took Haiqar, bound him, and led him away naked to be executed. Upon sensing his impending death, Haiqar sent a message to his wife, instructing her to come and meet him immediately, accompanied by a hundred girls, dressed in purple garments, so they could weep over him before his death. [He also asked her] to prepare a feast for the executioner and his attendants, and to bring plenty of wine for them to drink. Upon receiving this message, she immediately acted upon all his instructions. She was wise and intelligent, possessing wisdom and resourcefulness. When the soldiers and executioner arrived, they found the feast, wine, and delicious food [spread out before them]. They began to eat and drink.

Then Haiqar took Abu Samika, the executioner, aside and said to him, 'O Abu Samika, remember the day when Sarhadum , the father of Sennacherib, became angry with you and ordered your execution. I took you and hid you until his anger subsided, and then I brought you back, and he was delighted with you. Now, my friend, remember the favor, bread, and salt. Know that the king will eventually regret my death, for I am innocent, and God is the Knower of my innocence. I inform you that I have a secret hiding place in my house, known to no one. Hide me there with the knowledge of my wife. In the prison, there is a guilty slave deserving of death. Bring him out, dress him in my clothes, and order your men to kill him while they are drunk and unaware of whom they are killing. Carry out the king's judgment and give my body to my servants to bury. You will have stored a great treasure with me and also with the king, who will eventually regret and weep over my death.'

Then the executioner did whatever he said to him. Afterwards, he went to the king and said, 'May your head live, O King, forever. I have executed your command.' Then, as for Haiqar, his wife would prepare for him enough food in the underground cellar to suffice him entirely, and no one knew about it except her. Then the news spread throughout Assyria, Nineveh, and the rest of the cities that Haiqar had died and that the king had killed him. All creatures lamented over him, saying, 'Oh, what a loss, Haiqar! What a loss of your knowledge and wisdom! Oh, how unfortunate for you! Oh, how lowly we are after you! Where will we find a planner like you?' Then the king remembered Haiqar and wept over him, and regretted what he had done. He summoned Nathan and said to him, 'Go and conduct a mourning ceremony for your uncle Haiqar, as it is customary, for my sake.' Then Nathan, the foolish and cruel one, went and acted contrary to that. He neither mourned nor wept but gathered wicked and corrupt people like himself and indulged in eating and drinking.

And Nadan struck the slaves and the maids with painful blows, without feeling any shame towards his uncle's wife who had raised him as her own son. Furthermore, he began to insult and curse her, due to his request for adultery from her, which she refused and rejected. As for Haiqar, he remained lying in the underground cellar, hearing all of this and enduring it patiently. He praised and thanked God, never ceasing to pray with weeping and supplication. During that time, the executioner would come to him, greet him, soothe his mind, and leave, praying for his deliverance. Once the news spread among the neighboring kingdoms that Haiqar had died, all the kings rejoiced. Each one of them thought that now he could advance and fight against Sennacherib and seize the kingdom from him, as they had feared Sennacherib because of Haiqar and his wise strategies. They underestimated Sennacherib for his action and realized that his downfall was inevitable.

Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, rose up first and wrote a letter to Sennacherib, saying the following: 'Greetings and salutations from Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, to Sennacherib. Know that I have desired to build a palace suspended between the heavens and the earth for myself, and I request from you to send me a skilled and wise man who can construct it for me. Furthermore, I wish to ask him questions and receive answers to my inquiries, and if he proves to be skillful and wise, you shall receive in return the tribute of Assyria, Nineveh, and its revenues for three years. However, if he cannot answer my questions or is unable to build the palace for me, then your kingdom shall be destroyed.' And Pharaoh wrote the letter and sent it to Sennacherib. When the letter reached him, he read it in front of the lords of his kingdom, and he became perplexed and extremely enraged. Then he gathered the elders, wise men, philosophers, soothsayers, and astrologers from all over his land and read the letter before them. They were all astounded and bewildered.

Then the king said to them, 'Who among you will go to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and deliver his response and remove this calamity from us?' They said to him, 'Know, O our lord, that no one knows how to solve these problems except for Haiqar, whom you have killed. As for us, we have no means to do so. Perhaps Nathan, the son of his sister, must know about it because he has learned all his wisdom. Summon him to you and inform him, for he might be able to unravel this difficult knot.' At that moment, the king ordered Nathan the wretched to be brought, and the letter was read to him. Nathan responded, saying, 'O my lord the king, let the people talk the nonsense. Who can build a palace in the expanse between the heaven and the earth?' When the king heard his response, he became greatly saddened. He descended from his throne, sat on the ashes, and began to weep and lament over Haiqar, saying, 'Oh, woe is me for you, Haiqar, the knower of matters and secrets! Woe to me, oh Haiqar!'

And he says, '[Alas for you, O manager] of my kingdom and my affairs! Where can I find someone like you? Where can I search for you? How could I destroy you and eliminate you because of the words of an ignorant fool with no religion or honor? Oh, woe is me for whoever granted you to me! Oh, woe is me for whoever informed me that you were good, I would have given him half of my kingdom. But where is that now? Oh, Haiqar, who is your equal? Oh, how I longed to see you alive and fulfilled by your visions. Oh, woe is me for you throughout all time! Oh, my regret, how I killed you! If only I had given you more time, I would have witnessed the outcome.' And he started to weep and lament day and night until the lords of the court gathered with him, crying. When the executioner saw this condition and that the king was dying from excessive grief and sorrow, and he neither ate nor drank, he came forward and prostrated himself before him, saying, 'O my lord, command your servants to cut off my head.' Then the king said to him, 'Woe to you, Abu Samika! What is the matter with you?' He replied, 'O my lord, any servant who goes against his master should be killed, and I have disobeyed you.'

The king said to him, 'Woe to you! By what means have you gone against me? ' He replied, 'O my lord, you commanded me to kill Haiqar, but I knew that you would regret it because he was innocent. So I took him, hid him in a secret place, and instead killed one of his guilty servants. Haiqar is still alive. If you wish, I can bring him to you now, and after that, if you desire, you can pardon me, or if you wish, you can kill me.' The king said to him, 'Woe to you, Abu Samika! You are mocking me while I am your master.' He replied, 'By your life, O my lord, indeed, Haiqar is alive and well.' When the king heard his words and verified them, his mind was filled with joy. He said to him, 'O righteous and trustworthy servant, if your words are true, I must enrich you and elevate your position above all your companions. Go and bring him immediately.' The executioner went forth joyfully until he reached Haiqar's house and opened the door to the underground cellar. He found Haiqar kneeling in prayer, so the executioner exclaimed and said to him, 'Joy has come to you, O Haiqar! Rejoice and cast away your sorrows.'

Haiqar asked him, 'What is the news, my friend?' The executioner narrated to him everything that had happened from beginning to end. Haiqar thanked God, kissed the ground, and then stood up and went with him to the king's palace. When the king saw him still alive in a state of nothingness, with his hair grown like that of beasts, his nails like those of an eagle, his body changed like dust, and his face yellow like that of a dead person, he became sad and wept for him. He immediately stood up, embraced him, and kissed him, saying, 'Praise be to God who has brought you back to me after death.' He soothed his mind, comforted him, and apologized to him. Haiqar replied, 'May you live forever, my lord. These are the deeds of illegitimate children. I nurtured a palm tree to lean on, but it leaned towards me and cast me away. However, my lord, since I have come into your presence, worldly matters hold no importance for you. Be at ease.'

The king said to him, 'Blessed be God Almighty who has shown mercy to you, looked upon you, and saved you from death because you were wronged.' Then he awarded Abu Samika, bestowed many favors upon him, and granted him a high rank. Then he said to Haiqar, 'Go, my beloved, to your home. Enter the bath, shave your head, trim your nails, and rest for as long as you desire.' Then he kissed the hands of the king and went happily to his house, and all his companions were delighted for him. He sat for a while, then put on his finest clothes, rode [his horse], and came to the king with his servants behind him and in front of him. When he arrived, Nathan became frightened and panicked, unsure of what to do. Haiqar entered to the king, greeted him, and kissed his hands. The king received him with great joy and seated him beside him. He said, 'O my dear and trusted Haiqar, look at what has happened to us. When the kings learned of your death, they became greedy and oppressed us.'

'And behold, here is a letter from Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Many people from our lands have fled to Egypt out of fear of the tribute he demanded from us.' Haiqar took it, read it, understood its interpretation, and laughed. Then he said to the king, 'Do not worry or think, my lord. This is a futile matter. I will go to Egypt, deliver the response to Pharaoh, fulfill his request, interpret his questions, bring you the taxes, and return all those who fled. I will humiliate all your enemies with the help of God Almighty and the prosperity of your kingdom.' When the king heard this explanation, he rejoiced greatly, and his heart was relieved. He bestowed abundant blessings upon Haiqar bestowed favors upon the executioner as well. Then Haiqar said to the king, 'Grant me a period of forty days to arrange and contemplate this matter.' The king replied, 'Go, my dear, may God be with you.' So Haiqar went to his house and immediately ordered the hunters to catch two eagles that were still young. Without delay, they went and brought them to him.

Then he commanded them to twist two ropes of cotton, each rope being a thousand armspans long. He also ordered the carpenters to craft two wooden boxes for him. Then they brought him two young children, and from that day onward, he would slaughter a lamb every day to feed the children and the eagles. He would also train the eagles and the children together. Afterwards, he would place the children on the backs of the eagles and release them gradually, little by little, to a distance of about ten arms' length. He would do this every day until they became accustomed and learned. In a short period of time, they started flying along the length of the rope, reaching high up into the sky, with the children riding on their backs. Then he would call them back to him. When Haiqar realized that his work was completed, he instructed the children that when they reached high up into the sky, they should shout, saying, 'Bring us stones and clay so that we can build a palace for Pharaoh and not leave us idle.'

Haiqar continued to train and teach them until they reached the desired level. After that, he went to the king and said, 'My lord, the work has been completed as you wished. Rise and I will show you the wonders.' The king and his attendants stood up, and Haiqar led them to a spacious area. He brought the eagles, tied them, and released them, while the children were riding on the eagles' backs, suspended in the air by the rope. The children exclaimed, saying, 'Bring us stones and clay so that we can build a palace for Pharaoh and not leave us idle.' Then he pulled them back down and placed them in the boxes. In that moment, the king and his attendants were astonished. He stood up, kissed Haiqar between his eyes, and said, 'Go in peace, my dear and the pride of my kingdom. Go to Pharaoh, fulfill his request, and overcome him with the help of God Almighty.' Then he bid him farewell, took his servants, children, and eagles, and set off for Egypt. When he arrived, he headed towards the land of the king.

At that time, they informed Pharaoh that Sennacherib had sent one of his trusted men to deliver his request. Then Pharaoh sent for him to be brought before him. At that moment, Haiqar entered before the presence of the king and prostrated himself before him. He said, 'O great king, may peace be upon you. My master, King Sennacherib, sends his greetings and has dispatched me, one of his servants, to respond to your request and fulfill your desires. Your Majesty expressed your wish for a palace to be built for you between heaven and earth. With the help of the Almighty and your noble support, and by the glory of my master's kingdom, I shall construct the palace according to your desires. However, there is a condition that was agreed upon regarding the tribute of three years, as the king's decision is a firm commitment. If I fail or fall short in meeting your demands, then the tribute shall be sent as you mentioned. But if I fulfill all your wishes and answer your every request, you shall send the tribute to my master as you have stated.

When Pharaoh heard his response and the strength of his heart, he was amazed. He noticed the eloquence of his speech and the articulation of his words. Pharaoh then asked him, 'O man, what is your name?' He replied, 'Your servant's name is Abimak and I am an ant from the ants of Sennacherib.' Pharaoh said to him, 'There is no one left with your master who is more superior than you, until he sent me an ant to respond to me and communicate with me.' Haiqar said to him, 'I hope that with God's help, I will fulfill what is in your mind, for God is with the weak, so that the mighty may be amazed.' At that point, the king commanded to prepare a place for him and his soldiers, providing them with provisions and fulfilling all their needs, honoring them with utmost generosity. So Haiqar went and settled. And after three days, Pharaoh wore the red-purple robe and sat on his throne, while his nobles stood holding the purple [fabric]. He then sent for Haiqar to come before him, and Haiqar came and prostrated himself before Pharaoh.

Pharaoh said to him, 'O Abi Maqam, to whom do I resemble, and to whom do my nobles and dignitaries resemble?' Haiqar replied, 'O my lord, you resemble the idol Baal, and your dignitaries resemble his servants.' Pharaoh said to him, 'Go to your house and come back here tomorrow.' So Haiqar went, and the next day Pharaoh dressed in colorful red attire and ordered his nobles to wear white. Haiqar approached and prostrated himself before Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to him, 'O Abi Maqam, to whom do I resemble, and to whom do my nobles resemble?' Haiqar replied, 'O my lord, you resemble the sun, and your dignitaries resemble its rays.' Pharaoh said to him, 'Go, and come here tomorrow. ' Then, the next day, Pharaoh wore white attire and commanded his dignitaries to dress similarly. He sat on his throne and ordered Abi Maqam to be brought before him. Abi Maqam entered and prostrated himself before Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to him, 'O Abi Maqam, to whom do I resemble, and to whom do my nobles resemble?' Abi Maqam replied, 'You resemble the moon, and your dignitaries resemble the stars.'

Pharaoh said to him, 'Go, and come here tomorrow.' Then Pharaoh commanded his dignitaries to wear colorful and diverse garments, while he himself wore a red velvet attire. He sat on his throne and ordered Abi Maqam to be brought before him. Abi Maqam entered and prostrated himself before Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to him, 'O Abi Maqam, to whom do I resemble, and to whom do my nobles resemble?' Abi Maqam replied, 'You resemble the month of Nisan, and your dignitaries resemble its flowers.' Upon hearing Haiqar's responses, the king rejoiced greatly. Then he said to him, 'O Abi Maqam, the first time you compared me to the idol Baal and my dignitaries to his servants. The second time to the sun and my dignitaries to its rays. The third time to the moon and my dignitaries to the stars. The fourth time to the month of Nisan and my dignitaries to its flowers. Your answers are correct, but tell me, to whom does your lord Sennacherib resemble, and to whom do his dignitaries resemble?'

Haiqar shouted with a loud voice, causing the attendees to tremble, and he said, 'Far be it from me to mention my lord with my own mouth while you are seated on your throne. Please stand up on your feet, and then I will tell you to whom my lord resembles.' When Pharaoh heard his words and saw his boldness and the eloquence of his tongue, he marveled and became perplexed. Then he stood up from his throne and said to him, 'Tell me now, to whom does your master resemble?' He said to him, 'My lord resembles the God of the heavens, and his dignitaries resemble the lightning, thunder, and winds. When the rain falls and the winds blow, and the lightning and thunder occur, he commands that the sun does not give its light, and the moon and the stars do not move. He commands storms to blow, and rain and hail to descend. He shatters the month of Nisan and eradicates its blossoms, leaving no trace.' When Pharaoh heard this speech, he was greatly puzzled. Then he said to him, 'O man, tell me the truth: Who are you, what is your name? And you are safe.'

He said to him, 'The truth is, I am Haiqar, the minister and administrator of Sennacherib.' Pharaoh said to him, 'You have spoken the truth, O wise one, in what you have said. But we have heard that Haiqar was killed by his master Sennacherib, and here you are alive.' He said to him, 'O my lord, what you have heard [is true], but praise be to God, the Knower of the unseen, because my lord heard the words of the corrupters and ordered my killing. However, the Lord saved me, and blessed is the one who trusts in Him.' Pharaoh said to him, 'Go, and come back tomorrow. However, you need to ponder on a word that I have never heard before.' Haiqar went and wrote a letter saying the following: 'From Sennacherib, the king of Assyria and Nineveh, to the presence of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Greetings and peace be upon you. We inform our brother that you are sending me nine hundred talents of gold, as I require it for food and sustenance for the soldiers. Afterward, I will return them to you.' Then Haiqar folded the letter and presented it before Pharaoh, who took it and read it. Pharaoh said to him, 'Your words are true. I have never heard such a word from anyone before.'

Haiqar said to him, 'That remains as a debt to my lord.' Pharaoh replied, 'O Haiqar, those like you serve kings. Blessed is God who has crowned you with wisdom and adorned you with knowledge. And now, our desire is to build a palace for me, towering between the heavens and the earth.' Haiqar said to him, 'If God wills, I will definitely build that for you as you desire. But you need to provide stone, lime, gypsum, and clay, and all that is needed for construction. I have skilled and knowledgeable builders who can construct it for you.' Then the king ordered to gather everything needed for the construction, and they went to a spacious place. Haiqar went along with his servants, taking with him the children and the eagles. He went with the king and all his dignitaries, and the people of the whole city gathered to witness what Haiqar would do.

Then Haiqar released the eagles, with the children riding on their backs. He tied ropes to the eagles' legs and set them free into the sky. They soared high, reaching a point between the heavens and the earth. The children began to shout, saying, 'Bring us stones, clay, and bricks, so that we may build a palace for Pharaoh. We are idle!' They shouted with a great uproar, 'Bring us what we need for construction!' Everyone was amazed, and those who looked up were astonished. The king and his dignitaries were left bewildered and astounded. Haiqar and his servants continued to strike the workers and told them, 'Bring them what they need for construction and do not hinder them from their work.' The king said, 'O Haiqar, you are mad! Who can deliver anything at such heights?' Haiqar replied, 'O my lord, your servants are the crazy ones. If my lord Sennacherib were here, he would build two palaces every day.' Pharaoh said to him, 'Go, O man, and rest at your home. We have abandoned the construction of the palace. However, come back tomorrow.' Haiqar then went to his house and in the morning, he appeared before the king.

The king said to Haiqar, 'O Haiqar, what is this horse that your master Sennacherib possesses? Whenever it neighs in Assyria and Nineveh, our horses hear its sound and fall down.' Haiqar replied, 'You are correct, my lord. You should witness it yourself, and then we will inform you about it. ' Then Haiqar went and took a large cat, tied it up, and started whipping it severely. His neighbors heard this and went to inform the king. The king sent for Haiqar and asked him, 'For what reason are you whipping this cat and harming a voiceless animal?' He replied, 'I whipped it because it committed a grave sin against me.' The king asked, 'What is this grave sin?' Haiqar replied, 'Let me inform you that my lord Sennacherib gave me a strange rooster with colorful feathers and a tremendously loud voice. It can play musical instruments, including percussion, and can distinguish between the hours of day and night. However, this wicked cat came during the night and severed its head. That is why it deserved retribution.'

The king said to him, 'It is evident that you have gone mad, for you speak like a lunatic. How, O man, do you claim that it went during the night and severed the rooster's head, even though there is a distance of three hundred and sixty miles between Egypt and Nineveh?' Haiqar replied, 'If this is the distance between Egypt and Nineveh, then how is it that when my master's horse neighs, your horses hear it and fall down?' Pharaoh, after realizing that Haiqar had answered his questions, said to him, 'O Haiqar, what would you say about a man who built a cylinder made of eight thousand six hundred and sixty-five stones, and planted twelve trees in its center? Each tree has thirty branches, and each branch has two clusters, one white and one black. 'Haiqar laughed and said to him, 'O my lord, this question is known to the shepherds of Nineveh. The builder is the Almighty God, and the cylinder represents the year. The eight thousand six hundred and sixty-five stones represent the hours. The twelve branches represent the twelve months. The thirty twigs represent the thirty days. The two clusters, one white and one black, represent the day and night.'

Then Pharaoh said to him, 'O Haiqar, we have a great and powerful grinding stone that has been broken. I want you to mend it.' So Haiqar brought a stone and said to him, 'My lord, I am a stranger here, and I do not have sewing tools. I request that you command the cobblers to make for me an awl, a pestle, and nippers from this stone so that I can mend the grinding stone for you.' The king and his courtiers laughed and said to him, 'Blessed be God, who has endowed you with such cleverness, knowledge, and adorned you with wisdom.' Upon realizing that Haiqar had convinced him with his complete answers to all his questions, Pharaoh commanded that tribute be gathered for him for three years. Then Pharaoh approached Haiqar, kissed him, and bestowed honors upon him and his followers. He presented him with many gifts and said, 'Go in peace, O esteemed one of your master and his pride, for someone like you is wise and astute. Convey my greetings to your master Sennacherib and tell him not to hold us accountable for what has passed.'

Upon that, Haiqar prostrated himself before Pharaoh, kissed his hands, and said to him, 'I request from you, my lord, to command that no one from the people of Assyria and Nineveh remains in Egypt, and that they return with me.' The king ordered that they be summoned as Haiqar had requested. Everyone proceeded, and when the news reached Sennacherib, he went out to meet Haiqar, received him joyfully with great happiness, kissed him, and said, 'Welcome, my son, my minister, the honor and pride of my kingdom. Ask for whatever you desire and choose, even if it is my kingdom.' Then Haiqar said to him, 'May you live forever, my lord. I kindly request from you, first and foremost, to bestow favor upon Abu Samika, the executioner, for my life is in the hands of God and him.' Then he began asking him about what had happened with Pharaoh, and Haiqar narrated to him everything that had transpired, including the questions and his situation. Then he presented the gifts, provisions, and honors, and Sennacherib rejoiced greatly, being relieved from Pharaoh's grasp.

And he said to him, 'O my son Haiqar, take whatever you choose from these gifts.' Haiqar replied, 'May you live forever, my lord. I only desire your well-being. However, I hope that you grant me the life of my nephew Nathan, so that I may seek revenge upon him and shed his blood.' Sennacherib said to him, 'I have granted him to you. Do with him as you wish.' At that moment, Haiqar took Nathan, bound him with an iron chain, placed shackles on his feet and hands, and took him to his house. He inflicted severe beatings upon him from morning until evening, and placed him in a location near the latrine, appointing a guard over him. He ordered that he be given a loaf of bread and a small amount of water each day. And Haiqar would reprimand him with these words whenever he went in or out, saying to him like this:

O my son, I have done nothing but good and kindness to you, yet you repay me with death.

It is said in proverbs, 'Those who do not listen from their ears will hear it from the back of their neck.'

Nathan said to him, 'O my uncle, why are you angry with me?' Haiqar replied, 'It is because I raised you, honored you, nurtured you, and taught you all knowledge, so that you may become my heir in knowledge, wisdom, and manners. Yet, with ill intentions, you sought to kill me and plotted my destruction. But the Lord saved me and delivered me because He knows that I am innocent. For the Lord is just and He comforts the broken-hearted and humiliates the arrogant and envious.'

O my son, you have become to me like a scorpion that strikes a stone with its stinger, piercing it.

O my son, you have become to me like a goat that grazed on the grass of the land, and today it says to her, 'Eat from me,' but tomorrow they will tan your skin from my own veins.

O my son, you have become to me like a foolish person who took a stone and threw it at his Lord. Neither did the stone reach its target nor did he benefit in any way. Instead, he earned sin, and the stone descended upon his own head, causing his downfall.

O my son, you have become to me like a person who looked at his naked companion during winter and took cold water and poured it upon him.

O my son, if you had obeyed me and listened to my words, you would have inherited me and taken my place.

Know that even if the pig's tail were to grow ten arms long, it would never reach the status of a horse, even if its hair were softer than silk and finer than linen.

O my son, I had thought that you would become my heir after my death, but due to your envy and wickedness, you intended to kill me. However, the Lord saved and delivered me.

O my son, you have become to me like the lion that befriended the donkey for a while until the donkey trusted itself and grew fat. Then the lion pounced on it unexpectedly and devoured it.

O my son, you have become to me like a person who sowed ten measures of wheat. After the toil of harvesting and threshing, it yielded only ten measures, no more. He said to it, 'Oh, if only you had not grown or yielded at all!'

O my son, you have become to me like a partridge caught in a net, unable to free itself, and calling its companions to it.

O my son, you have become to me like a cold dog that entered a pottery house seeking warmth. But when it warmed up, it started barking at them, so they struck it and drove it away for fear of being bitten.

O my son, you have become to me like a goat that leads its companions to the slaughterhouse, unable to save itself.

O my son, the dog that does not feed on its own prey becomes food for other dogs.

O my son, a hand that is not diligent, hardworking, and skillful will end up cutting its own limbs.

O my son, you have become to me like a tree they intended to cut down. And it said to them, 'Oh, if it weren't for what you have in your hands from me, you would not have been able to cut me down.'

O my son, you have become to me like a cat, to whom they said, 'Give up stealing, and we will make for you earrings and necklaces of gold, and we will feed you with sugar and almonds.' But she said, 'I will never abandon the craft of my father and ancestors; it is an honor for me.'

O my son, you have become like a snake that boarded a [boxthorn] in the middle of the river. A wolf looked at them and said, 'Evil befalls the one who rides with evil, and the one worse than them caused both of them to drown.'

O my son, I have fed you good food and dressed you in fine clothes, while you, a plain loaf, have not fed me. I have provided you with sugar and drinks, yet you have not even given me water from the well.

I have taught you, raised you, and housed you in lofty palaces, while you have dug a pit for me and concealed me.

I have raised you with the best upbringing, brought you into existence, made you flourish like a towering cedar, and presented you in the houses of kings. Yet, you have disobeyed me and sought my destruction.

O my son, I had hoped that you would build a tower for me, a place of refuge from my enemies. But you have become to me like a pit that buries me, you have buried me. But the Lord saved me and delivered me.

O my son, I wanted good for you, but you rewarded me with evil. Now, I desire to gouge out your eyes, cut off your tongue, behead you with a sword, and make you a meal for dogs in recompense for your vile and wicked deeds.

Nathan replied and said, 'O my uncle, treat me with the same kindness as before, and forgive my sins, for it is the likes of me who err, and it is the likes of you who pardon and forgive. Accept me now to serve in your house, groom your horses, sweep the dust of your home, and tend to your pigs, for I am the wicked one, and you are the righteous one. I am the guilty one, and you are the forgiver.'

Then Haiqar said to him, 'O my son, you are like a tree planted by the water, bearing no fruit. Its owner intended to cut it down, but it said to him, 'Move me to another place, and if I do not bear fruit, then you may cut me down.' So its owner said to it, 'You are planted by the water and have not borne fruit, so how can you bear fruit in another place?'

O my son, the old age of the eagle is better than the youth of the crow.

O my son, they said to the wolf, 'Stay away from the sheep, lest their dust harm you.' He replied to them, 'Their dust is like beneficial kohl to my eyes.'

O my son, they brought the wolf into the school to teach him how to read. They said to him, 'Repeat after us: "A, B, C, D."' The wolf replied, 'Lamb, ewe, goat, and gazelle,' as they were in his heart.

O my son, they placed the head of the donkey on a table of gold, but it fell to the ground and started rolling in the dirt. They said, 'Let him roll, for his nature does not change.'

O my son, the saying of those who said, 'When you give birth to a child, claim him as your own, but when you raise a child, call him your servant,' has proven true.

O my son, whoever does good will be rewarded with good, and whoever does evil will be met with evil, for the Lord rewards every person according to their deeds.

O my son, what should I speak to you further than these words, for the Lord knows the hidden things, and He knows the secrets and the intentions. He is the one who rewards and judges between you and me according to what you deserve.

When Nathan heard these words, he swelled up immediately and became like a blown-up balloon. His limbs and legs swelled, his bowels tore apart, his stomach split open, and his entrails spilled out. He died and perished, destined for hell, the terrible end. Just as the scripture says, 'Whoever digs a pit for his brother will fall into it, and whoever sets a snare for others will be caught in it.'

This is what has reached us regarding the story of the wise Haiqar with his nephew, the mischievous Nathan. May people understand and learn from these teachings, and may they abstain from wicked deeds. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May Allah save us and you on the Day of Judgment. Amen, O Allah.